Dear Sis,
Today was day two of our Nashville visit. Uncle Jim started smoking our 15 pound Hanukkah brisket very early. Aunt Jeramie and I stopped at the grocery store to pick up the rest of the ingredients before we went to Granny’s to cook dinner. We made Challah with golden raisins, regular and gluten-free latkes, applesauce, and green beans.
We were so busy cooking, eating, and playing dreidel, I forgot to take more pictures:)
Happy Hanukkah!
Love,
b
Dear Sis,
We spent the night with Aunt Jeramie and family, and a awoke to a day of promised adventure. Granny Bob and P-pop brought donuts for breakfast. William ate his sitting on the table because he was tired of Bitzer dog trying to steal his bites.
William has been cautious around dogs since visiting you and our family reunion over the summer with a half dozen big dogs present. Bitzer cured him! He liked being with Bitzer until it was time to eat… then he wanted Bitzer to take a hike!
After breakfast, Josh took us to Climb Nashville. Even William got to climb! Granny Bob designated herself photographer and cheer leader, while Aunt Jeramie and I talked the hours away:)
Cousin Ethan (left) Daddy (right)
When everyone was worn and hungry, we headed to the farmers market for lunch. After lunch we did the Super Hero Room at Music City Escape Rooms. We escaped with five minutes to spare and only used one of four possible hints! It was super fun and it made me think of you and Nate:)
We returned home just long enough to light the Hanukkah candles and decide where to go for dinner. Mexican was closest, so we picked that since it was getting late and William had only had a 15 minute nap all day:)
William decided to sit next to cousin Ethan, whom he took a shine too during our visit. When he was finished eating he laid on the floor completely worn out for the second time that day.
Happy Hanukkah!
b
Dear Sis,
Most of the day was spent in the car as we drove to Nashville to visit Josh’s family. We visited with Great Granny, Granny Bob, and P-pop first. While Granny Bob was making dinner, Great Granny got some playtime with William. Their mutual love of music made it easy for them to find something to do.
The toddler sized rocking chair, that used to be Aunt Jeramie’s, was also a big hit.
We lit the Hanukkah candles after sharing a yummy meal:)
Much to Daddy’s dismay, William took a shine to peanuts:)
Happy Hanukkah!
b
Dear Sis,
Today, like every day this week, was a very busy day. Our sewing/reenacting friend, Mekaela, came today to help me fit the paletot I am making for winter 1860s events. During nap, I made all the necessary pattern modifications, so I wouldn’t forget anything while we are away on our family trip. Then I hurried to pack, because Daddy had plans for our evening! We lit the menorah during the bustle.
Then we drove into town to ride the Sky Star enclosed observation ferris wheel.
Happy Hanukkah!
b
Dear Sis,
Although I printed out a recipe for homemade jelly filled doughnuts this year, and I had high hopes, we ended up picking some up at a local shop on our way home from story time.
William licked the frosting off and dug a hole in his to get to the jelly. After sucking out most of the filling he decided he was all done:)
William got another new book tonight:
This book is a study workbook. We’ll have to take care not to accidentally tear out pages, as they are all perforated. The wording is simple and the black and white pictures give William something to focus upon while I read. Although we will use this book to pieces, it isn’t exactly what I was looking for. My quest for good torah books for kids continues…
Happy Hanukkah!
b
Dear Sis,
Today we had a playdate. The boys took out every toy they could find and the Mamas made a lot of Candy.
We made Caramel, Spiced Nuts, and Peanut Brittle.
Josh even made the boys a box tunnel to play in:)
William got a new book:
This is a great Hanukkah story for children because it explains why the Jewish community celebrates Hanukkah, how it is different form Christmas, and how it still finds a place in the holiday season. The humor makes it fun for grown ups to read aloud too:)
Love,
b
Dear Sis,
We made Kugel this morning to kick of Hanukkah. Our recipe makes a 9×13 casserole, which is way too much for just William and I, so we gave half of it to the family across the street that also celebrated Hanukkah:)
This year, I have one gift for each night. William really enjoys having his own menorah. I looked at a dozen different foam, plush, and wooden toddler menorahs before I settled on the KidCraft set.
Happy Hanukkah!
Love,
b